Wily Gunners bid

In a quest to solve their injury crisis, Arsene Wenger is understood to be targeting Sporting Lisbon and Portugal defensive midfielder William Carvalho, who Arsenal are understood to have been tracking for a couple of years, since the last World Cup.

Carvalho would add requisite power and tenacity to what has been a soft underbelly for a number of years, however, there have been wranglings over his £37.5m buyout clause in the past.

It is no secret that Arsenal need to strengthen and Wenger has said that he will if the “right player” becomes available, though surely not even the stubborn Frenchman can ignore this situation for much longer.

Bayern tracking Mane

Southampton star Sadio Mane is thought to be the subject of interest from Bayern Munich, who could be starting to plan for life after ageing wingers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs this season, including Man United, though the Saints will be unwilling to let another of their prime assets leave, having seen a number of top players leave St Mary’s in recent seasons.

However, should a bidding war ensue between a number of clubs, the south coast side may well consider cashing in on the Senegalese attacker.